Treaty of Tadla

Map of western Maghreb between 1500 and 1515.

The Treaty of Tadla was a treaty signed in 1527 between two rival centers of power in the western Maghrib: the Wattasids, in the north and the emergent Saadian power in the south. The treaty followed an inconclusive military encounter between the two parties at Tadla. ^[1] The treaty confirmed to the Saadis the area of Sus and Marrakesh, while the rest of the country, with the capital of Fez, remained to the Wattasids. ^[1]

History

The prolonged struggle between rival centers of power in the western Maghreb had absorbed men and resources and made sustained, coordinated action against Portuguese-held coastal strongholds more difficult. The agreement associated with Tadla created a temporary modus vivendi, reducing internal pressure and giving the Saadian leadership room to concentrate on operations against Portuguese positions, including the campaign against Agadir, which ended with its capture in 1541. ^[1] After this loss, Portuguese authorities withdrew from Safi and Azemmour, while maintaining Mazagan (al-Jadida), which was easier to fortify and supply. ^[1]

These victories gave great prestige to the Saadi ruler Mohammed al-Shaykh, who went on to challenge the Wattasids in the north, and finally vanquished them at the Battle of Tadla in 1554. ^[1]

References

1. Ogot, Bethwell A.; Africa, Unesco International Scientific Committee for the Drafting of a General History of (1992-01-01). Africa from the Sixteenth to the Eighteenth Century. UNESCO. ISBN   978-92-3-101711-7.